The season is over for Darryn Peterson—and honestly, it ended the way too many of his games did this year: him doing everything… and it still not being enough.
Kansas’ heartbreaking 67-65 loss to St. John’s on a buzzer-beater didn’t just end their tournament run—it likely closed the book on the Peterson era in Lawrence. And if we’re being real, it exposed a brutal truth:
Kansas failed their best player.
One Star… No Help
Peterson finished with 21 points, leading Kansas and carrying the offense once again.
But if you actually watched the game, you saw it clearly:
- Constant double teams
- No consistent shot creation from teammates
- Offensive possessions that went nowhere unless Peterson touched the ball
For most of the night, he was the only reason Kansas even had a chance.
And when he tied the game late with clutch free throws?
It should’ve been his moment.
Instead… it became someone else’s.
The Brutal Ending
After Kansas erased a double-digit deficit, it looked like momentum had finally swung.
Then came the dagger.
A last-second layup from St. John’s ended it—no overtime, no second chance. Just heartbreak.
And just like that:
- Kansas is out
- Peterson’s college career is likely over
- And one of the best freshmen in the country never even reached the Sweet 16
A Season That Never Fully Clicked
Peterson’s freshman year was anything but smooth.
- Missed 11 games
- Dealt with injuries and what he called “mind stuff” affecting his performance
- Never fully found rhythm until late in the season
And yet… even through all of that, he still:
- Became Kansas’ go-to scorer
- Showed flashes of a future NBA superstar
- Proved why he’s projected as a potential No. 1 overall pick
That’s what makes this ending even worse.
The Work Ethic Debate
There were whispers all season—questions about consistency, effort, availability.
But that narrative doesn’t tell the full story.
Because when the lights were brightest in March?
Peterson showed up.
He battled. He created. He kept Kansas alive.
The real issue wasn’t him.
It was everything around him.
The Bigger Problem at Kansas
Let’s call it what it is:
- Turnovers killed them
- The supporting cast disappeared
- Coaching adjustments came too late
Kansas has now failed to reach the second weekend four straight years—something that hasn’t happened since the 1980s.
And somehow, one of the most talented players in the country couldn’t change that.
What’s Next?
Peterson is almost certainly headed to the NBA.
And here’s the scary part:
He’s just getting started.
At 6’6 with elite shot creation, scoring instincts, and improved late-season form, he’s going to walk into the league with something to prove.
Because if this game showed anything…
It’s that Darryn Peterson isn’t the problem.
He’s the player every team wishes they had when everything is on the line.
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